Damascus, Syria – The President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Bafel Jalal Talabani, strongly condemned the recent military and security escalation in Syria and Western Kurdistan (northeast Syria). He described the actions against the Kurdish people as “barbaric acts” that cannot be accepted or ignored, and warned of their repercussions on regional stability. In an official statement issued today, Talabani said that the regions of Western Kurdistan have made great sacrifices on behalf of the international community. He also emphasized that hundreds of young men and women have given their lives in the war against ISIS.
He added that the Kurdish people “defended the world and paid a heavy price in return,” making them deserving of appreciation, dignity, and genuine protection. However, he noted that they should not be left to an uncertain fate after years of partnership in the fight against terrorism. The leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) issued a direct and urgent appeal to the US administration and the American people, urging them to act responsibly and without hesitation to protect civilians. He emphasized the need to work towards establishing stability and preventing the collapse of the security and political gains achieved during the years of war against extremist organizations.
Talabani warned that continued international silence regarding the situation would have serious consequences. He emphasized that the Kurdish people “will not remain silent or tolerate” these violations. He asserted that the current developments represent a crossing of red lines that threaten the Kurdish national existence and jeopardize security and stability throughout the region. Bafel Talabani’s statement comes amidst escalating tensions in northeastern Syria. Questions are also growing about the future of the US role in protecting its allies. This coincides with widespread popular and political mobilization in various parts of Kurdistan in support of Western Kurdistan (Rojava).
